Warm Eyes | Hyunchan ✅

XXVIX [Fleeting Moments]

Hyunjin's world slowly came back into focus as he lay on the cold stone floor, the echoes of battle still ringing in his ears. The throne room was chaos, guards shouting and weapons clashing, but his gaze was locked on the king, who still seemed oblivious to the true depths of his actions.

"You think you can hide behind your petty spells?" the king scoffed, brushing off the injuries of his guards. "I will have what I want, and no one can stop me."

"Your power is built on lies," Hyunjin managed, forcing himself to his knees despite the pain radiating through his body. "You'll never truly rule through fear."

The king's laugh was cold and mocking. "Fear is all that binds your people to me. And soon, I'll have Christopher's heart, and you'll be nothing more than a memory."

Christopher's anger flared as he fought against a guard, but the moment he turned to Hyunjin, his expression shifted to concern. "Hyunjin, get back!" he shouted, but it was too late. A guard lunged forward, and Christopher intervened, taking a blow meant for Hyunjin.

"Christopher!" Hyunjin cried, watching in horror as Christopher staggered back, a deep gash slicing across his arm.

"Just... go!" Christopher gasped, blood seeping through his fingers. "We have to retreat!"

"No!" Hyunjin yelled, feeling a surge of panic. "I won't leave you!"

But Christopher's eyes were fierce. "You have to. You're in no condition to fight. We'll regroup at the cottage."

With one last glance at the king, Hyunjin turned and ran, adrenaline driving him forward despite his fading strength. As they fled the castle, the sounds of chaos faded behind them, but Hyunjin could feel the heaviness in his chest. The weight of the battle pressed on him, and the realization that they were still in danger gnawed at his resolve.

Once inside the cottage, Hyunjin slammed the door shut, locking it tight. He turned to find Christopher leaning against the wall, trying to catch his breath.

"Christopher, let me heal you," Hyunjin urged, stepping closer. His hands trembled as he tried to summon the magic within him, but the effort was daunting.

"No," Christopher protested, wincing as he held his arm. "You're too weak. You need to rest."

"I can't just sit here while you're hurt!" Hyunjin insisted, frustration and fear surging within him.

Christopher shook his head, pain etched on his face. "I won't allow you to waste your strength on me. You need to recover first."

"Don't be stubborn," Hyunjin pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I can't lose you, too."

In that moment, their eyes locked, and the silence grew heavy with unspoken emotions. Finally, Hyunjin closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around Christopher's waist, pulling him into an embrace.

"Please," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Just let me be there for you."

Christopher softened, holding Hyunjin tightly against him. "You've already given so much," he murmured. "But I won't let you drain yourself further."

"I love you," Hyunjin admitted, his heart aching as he spoke the words he had longed to say. "I don't want to lose you to this madness."

Christopher's gaze softened, and he cupped Hyunjin's face, brushing away the tears that had escaped. "You won't lose me. We'll face this together. I promise."

And in that fragile moment, they shared a kiss-soft yet desperate, a union filled with longing and fear. Hyunjin felt warmth spread through him, a flicker of hope igniting amidst the despair. But as they broke apart, he couldn't shake the feeling that their fight was far from over.